Tuesday, June 26, 2007

God's Mercy by Example


There is a kind of mercy that is so unique that it can only be explained by referencing the things God has done. One of those events was when Moses appealed to God to show him His Glory while he was on Mt. Sinai.

In Exodus 33:17-23 we read:

“So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he [Moses] said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He [God] said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the LORD said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

God recognized that Moses, being human, could not withstand the magnitude of His glory. Yet, not to deny Moses of his request, God found a way to give Moses the desire of his heart. He hid him in the cleft, or crevice, of a rock, covered him with His hand to protect him, and passed by so Moses could see his back. Moses is the only person recorded in the Bible to have had this experience – having looked upon the glory of God.

God could have easily just said, “Sorry Moses, you can’t handle it!” But He didn’t. He wanted to give Moses the gifts he desired in his heart. God had nothing to gain from this, yet He worked to fulfill Moses’ plea.

Likewise, when Jesus said to Thomas, who doubted Jesus’ resurrection, in John 20:27, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Jesus was giving Thomas what he needed to grow his faith. He was showing mercy by simply fulfilling the desires of Thomas’ heart.

Trust God for the desires of your heart. Trust him to satisfy your need for greater faith.

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” – Psalms 107:1


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